The Newcastle Permanent Community Awards for 2019 were announced recently. These awards provide the much needed recognition for the people that keep our game running throughout the year. The coaches, the volunteers and the referees contributing each week to their local footballing communities.
The winners of the North Coast Football Community Awards are:
Coach of the Year
Graham Shanahan
Graham was the coach of the Sawtell Scorpions U/14 Girls squad for a second year in the 2019 season. Many of the players in this team only just beginning their footballing journey and through Graham’s patience and knowledge were guided into becoming a great footballing team.
Volunteer of the Year
Margaret Hope
Margaret is known as the heart and soul of Boambee FC – the first to arrive on gameday to organize and set-up the canteen and the last to leave. Marg was not only the canteen coordinator, but she also sacrificed her time to help with club fundraising and arranging uniforms for teams and supporters.
Referee of the Year
Liam Kalanj
Liam is in his third year of refereeing; completing his Level 3 Referee course in 2019. Liam’s commitment is second-to-none, consistently attending all sessions and meetings and regularly refereeing at NPL level and Community level with aspirations of refereeing in England after completing Year 12. His ambitious and committed attitude has truly been highlighted this year.
